Foam 3D printing for construction: A review of applications, materials, and processes

Large-scale additive manufacturing for construction has gained momentum during the last two decades as a promising fabrication technology that can save materials, labor, and costs. Although foams are a significant material group in construction and explored in 3D printing (3DP) studies, no comprehensive review about this field exists to date. Consequently, the aim of this review is to define the field of foam 3DP (F3DP) in construction and provide an overview of relevant developments, challenges, and future research. Based on the analysis of more than 150 peer-reviewed articles and research reports, three major themes within the academic debate about F3DP could be identified: developments in material composition and material design, printing and processing technologies, and future challenges in application and material processing development. This review brings together promising advancements in F3DP for construction into a systematic overview and opens new horizons in research and development for sustainable construction processes.

Automated summary

This review aimed to define the field of foam 3DP (F3DP) in construction and provide an overview of relevant developments, challenges, and future research by analyzing over 150 peer-reviewed articles and research reports. Three major themes within the academic debate about F3DP were identified: developments in material composition and design, printing and processing technologies, and future challenges in application and material processing. The review brings together promising advancements in F3DP for construction into a systematic overview and opens new horizons in research and development for sustainable construction processes.